Arkansas Indistar
School Engagement Plan


Accepted: This form has been reviewed and little or no revisions need to be made. Please make any suggested revisions (if needed) and go to Submissions tab to submit.
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​Please read over the updated form closely. Note the new Assurances section allows you to confirm practices that are required but do not need further elaboration. In the response fields, please include links to additional information that can help support your story as you answer the guiding questions.
​​​1: Jointly Developed Expectations and Objectives

Describe how the School works with parents and families to develop and review relevant plans, policies, and strategies related to engagement. 

Guiding Questions
  • 1.1: How does the School - in collaboration with parents - establish an engagement plan that reflects the specific academic improvement needs of the School, and that includes programs and practices that enhance engagement and address the specific engagement needs of students and their families? 
              ​          [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(a)
    ]
  • 1.2: What efforts have been made to ensure adequate representation of parents and families of  participating children in the process (Title I families)?
                        [ESSA § 1116(c)(3)]

Oden schools K-12 acknowledges that parents play an integral role in their child's learning and development. Parents, families, students, school staff & faculty, work collaboratively to ensure students achieve successful outcomes and result from the student's educational parents' experience and families will be notified of volunteer and engagement opportunities through various mediums: electronically through ORSD app, website, email, phone, and correspondence.

Annual Review and Evaluation parent of Oden K-12 Schools Parent and Family Engagement Plan: this meeting and process is conducted and provides opportunities to engage parents, students, and staff/faculty in the evaluation process of current policies & procedures, programs, services, and communication efforts. The Oden K-12 Schools Parent and Family Engagement plan Evaluation meeting is on May 9, 2023.

The meetings may be rescheduled if Covid-19 restrictions become necessary or may be presented virtually if allowable. Parent/teacher conferences for the 2022-2023 school year are scheduled at a time/manner/place mutually agreed upon by the teacher and parent.


2: Communication

Describe how the School will communicate with and distribute information to parents and families.

Guiding Questions
  • 2.1: How does the School distribute an informational packet appropriate for the age and grade of each child annually, ensuring to include:
            ○ description of the engagement program
            ○ recommended roles for parents, students, teacher, and the School
    ​        ○ ways for a family to get involve​d
            ○ survey regarding volunteer interest​s
            ○ schedule of activities planned throughout the school year​
    ​        ○ regular, two-way, and meaningful system for parents/teachers to communicate​
             ​               [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(3)(B)(1)​]
  • 2.2: How will the School ensure information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is provided to parents in a format and in a language that parents can understand (to the extent practicable)? ​
             ○ how is relevant information provided in a variety of ways? (For example, paper copies made
                available, as well as social media posts, website links, parent apps, etc.?

                                [ESSA § 1116(e)(5)]
  • 2.3: How does the School offer flexible opportunities for meetings with families? 
                                [ESSA § 1116(c)(2)]

Oden Schools K-12 communicate and share the Parent/Family/Community Engagement and opportunities to volunteer and participate in school events & activities via:

Informational packets will be developed, printed, & distributed to parents and families at the beginning of the academic year. The packets include: student handbook, events schedule, volunteer opportunities, student directory information access, and parental involvement in students' educational process and experience.

Post information and plan on Oden Schools Parent Center Boards - by academic year

Career Action Plan (CAP) Conferences - spring Parent/Teacher Conferences - fall & spring

District websites and District App

Oden Schools K-12 social media outlets

Parent & Family Engagement Survey for volunteer opportunities distributed and link to survey on District website (Google Forms)


3: Building Staff Capacity

Describe activities that will be used with School staff to build their capacity to work with parents as equal partners​.

Guiding Questions

3.1: How does the School build staff capacity to work with parents as equal partners? This may include workshops, conferences, trainings, webinars, and online resources that will be used to ensure ALL School staff (including teachers, specialized instructional personnel, principals, and other School leaders) are aware of:
        ○ the value and utility of contributions of parents [Title I schools]​
        ○ how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners [Title I schools]​
        ○ how to implement and coordinate parent programs and build ties between home and the School
           [Title I schools]​
        ○ how to respond to parent requests for parent and family engagement activities [Title I schools]
​        ○ that parents play an integral role in assisting student learning [all schools]​       
        ○ how to welcome parents into the School and seek parental support and assistance [all schools]       
        ○ the School’s process for resolving parent concerns as outlined in the School handbook, including how to
​           define a problem, whom to approach first, and how to develop solutions [all schools]​

               [ESSA § 1116(e)(3;14); A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(5-7)]

The District and Oden K-12 Schools shall provide no less than two (2) hours of professional development opportunities for teachers, which may included in the minimum number of required hours and designed to enhance understanding of effective parent, family and community engagement plan strategies. For administrators, no less than two (2) hours of professional development in addition to the minimum required professional development hours which are designed to enhance understanding of effective parent involvement strategies and the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parent, family, and community engagement.

The Oden K-12 School Alumni Advisory Board will provide advisement and guidance for school improvement.


4: Building Parent Capacity

Describe how the School provides opportunities to build parents’ capacity to play a role in their children’s academic success. This may include conducting workshops, conferences, classes, online resources, Academic Parent-Teacher Team meetings or providing equipment or other materials.

Guiding Questions 
  • 4.1: How does the School provide timely information about the following​:
            ○ a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the School
            ○ the forms of State and Local academic assessments used to measure student progress, including
               alternate assessments​
    ​        ○ the achievement levels of the challenging State academic standards students are expected
               to meet​
                       [ESSA § 1116(c)(4)(B)​]
  • 4.2: How does the School provide assistance to parents in understanding the following:
            ○ the requirements of Title I, Part A​
            ○ how to monitor their child’s progress​
            ○ how to work with educators to improve the achievement of their children.
                       [ESSA § 1116(e)(1)]
  • 4.3: What types of materials and training does the School provide to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s achievement? This may include:
            ○ literacy training       
    ​        ○ technology training, including education about copyright piracy and safe practices​
            ○ resources that describe or assist with the child’s curriculum​
            ○ other activities such as workshops, conferences, online resources like tutorials or webinars,
               and any equipment or other materials, including parent resource centers
                       [ESSA § 1116(e)(2)]
  • 4.4: Involve parents of students at all grade levels in a variety of roles, including without limitation:
            ○ involvement in the education of their children​
            ○ volunteer activities
            ○ learning activities and support classroom instruction​
            ○ participation in School decisions​
            ○ collaboration with the community​
            ○ development of School goals and priorities​
    ​        ○ evaluating the effectiveness of the School-level Improvement Plan​
                       [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(1); ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.03]
  • 4.5: How does the School promote and support responsible parenting? The School shall, as funds are available:​
            ○ purchase parenting books, magazines, and other informative material regarding responsible
    ​           parenting through the School library, advertise the current selection, and give parents an
    ​           opportunity to borrow the materials for review​
            ○ Create parent centers​
    ​                     [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(4)(A)​]
  • 4.6: How does the School provide instruction to parents on how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities in the home environment, including without limitation:​
            ○ role play and demonstration by trained volunteers​
            ○ the use of and access to Department of Education website tools for parents
    ​           [https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov]​
    ​        ○ assistance with nutritional meal planning​
                       [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(5)(B)(ii)(a-d)]


The District and Oden K-12 Schools build capacity of parents through a variety of developmentally-appropriate activities and events that engage and involve parents in their child's academic success. The district curriculum, academic standards, and Title l, Part A requirements are reviewed at the Annual Public Meeting, parent/teacher conferences (fall and spring), Student Success Plan secondary & post-secondary options and course planning, CAP Conferences, Special Education Conferences, 504 Program Conferences, 2lst Century CCLC Financial Literacy Meetings, and as requested. Academic achievement results are reviewed at parent/teacher conferences, CAP Conferences, and on an as-needed basis. Volunteer training is provided for parents and students prior to scheduled activities and events and on an as-needed basis. The District and Oden Schools K-12 provides transition programs, services, and resources for students transitioning from preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, and middle school to high school, as well as for each grade level.


5: Coordination

Describe how the School will coordinate with other organizations, businesses, and community partners, including alumni, to provide additional supports, services, and resources to families..

Guiding Questions
  • 5.1: How does the School investigate and utilize community resources in the instructional program? ​ 
                     [ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 5.06] ​
  • 5.2: How does the School coordinate and integrate programs and activities with other Federal, State, and local programs? Some examples include:​
            ○ public preschool programs such as Head Start​
            ○ organizations/activities to help students transition to elementary, middle, high, and
               postsecondary schools or careers​
            ○ wraparound services that allow families to send their children to school ready and able to focus
    ​           on learning
                      [ESSA §1116(e)(4)​]
  • 5.3: In what ways does the School enable the formation of a Parent Teacher Association or organization and ensure leaders of said organization will be included in appropriate decisions?
                     [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(8)(B)(ii)] 

The District and Oden K-12 Schools are collaborative partners with the following school staff and community organizations and agencies to engage, support, and inform parents, families and students of available resources.

Organizations/School Staff:

Local businesses, agencies, & organizations

University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Services

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

ORSD Mental Health Providers

Community Service Learning Partners/Providers

University of Arkansas Rich Moutain

ORSD Homeless Liaison

Arkansas Food Bank

Realtor's Association

Healthy Connections, Inc.

Southern Bancorp

US Forest Service

Queen Wilhemina State Park

Ways:

Face-to-face meetings

ORSD app

Correspondence

Social Media

Email

Phone

Home Visits

Website

Parent Center

Newsletter

Local and regional media outlets (newspaper, radio)

ORSD Facebook

6: Annual Title I Meeting​ (Title I schools)

Describe the details regarding the Annual Title I meeting used to inform parents of the requirements of Title I, the School’s participation, and the parents’ rights to be involved.​

Guiding Questions 
  • 6.1: How and when (month/year) does the School conduct the Annual Title I meeting, ensuring that parents are informed of the following? (*Include a link to the detailed agenda, meeting minutes, and/or slide deck for this year’s Annual Title I Meeting, if available.)​
            ○ the requirements of Title I and the School’s participation​
            ○ the parents’ rights under Title I (The Right to Know Teacher Qualifications, Right to Request
    ​           Meetings)
                       [ESSA § 1116(c)(1)​]

The Annual Title I Public Meeting will be held on August 18, 2022, in the cafetorium on the Acorn Campus and in the cafetorium on the Oden Campus. The meeting will be advertised in local news media, on the district website and app, and by mail to the parents. The meeting will inform parents, families, and the community of the requirements of Title I, the school's participation, and the parent's rights to be involved. Revised and Family Engagement Plans will be available to all at the meeting.

Schools will also conduct Spring Title I meetings. The date for the planning meeting will be May 9, 2023. For additional information concerning Tiie l, please contact Kathy Medford at (479) 394-2348.

The 2022/2023 meetings may be rescheduled if necessary due to Covid-19 restrictions or may be presented virtually if allowable.


7: School-Parent Compact (Title I schools)

Describe the process School will follow to jointly develop with parents a School-Parent Compact as required under Title I, Part A.​

Guiding Questions 
  • 7.1: How does the School jointly develop a School-Parent Compact which does the following:​
            ○ Outlines how parents, the entire School staff, and students will share the responsibility for
               improved student academic achievement​
            ○ Addresses the importance of regular two-way, meaningful communication through:​
                    ■ conferences (no fewer than 2 each year)
                    ■ frequent reports on progress​
                    ■ reasonable access to staff
                    ■ opportunities to volunteer​
                    ■ observation of classroom activities​
                               [ESSA § 1116(d)​]
  • 7.2: How do families access the compact in order to understand the shared responsibility for improved student academic achievement?​
            ○ Including parent-teacher conferences in elementary Schools, at least annually
            ○ Include a link or insert the language of the compact to demonstrate this requirement has been
               met.​
                              [ESSA § 1116(d)(2)(A)]

Staff and faculty will work jointly with parents to review, update, and revise (if applicable) the Title I Student/Faculty/Parent/Principal Compact. The compact will outline each stakeholder's responsibility for improving student academic achievement. The compact will be completed at the beginning of each academic year and filed in the office of Oden Schools K-12.

Oden Schools K-12 welcomes parental input, feedback, and support to address the needs of students, parents, and families. The District and Oden Schools K-12 provides an Open, welcoming campus atmosphere with reasonable, appropriate access while not discouraging parents from visiting the school campus.

The District will designate and coordinate conferences and meetings to engage parents, families, students, and the community each academic year. The dates and events for the 2022-2023 academic year are:

Back to School Theme is RAINBOW, "Let Your Colors Shine!"

August 18 -Open House

September 9.-Grandparent's Day

October-3-7 National Fire Prevention Week

October 27-Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 24-28 Red Ribbon Week

October 29-Story Book Pumpkins at Halloween Carnival

November 11-Veteran's Day

November 17-Thanksgiving Dinner

December 14-FCS Christmas Play, Santa Supper

January 23-27-Kindness Week

January 24-National Compliment Day

February 2-100th Day of Schoo

February-Dental Health Month

February 17-Random Acts of Kindness Day

February 27-March 3-Read Across America Week

March 16-Parent/Teacher Conferences and Literacy Night

April 7-Egg Hunt

April 21-Earth Day

May 12-Student Fun Day

May 16-OHS Awards Ceremony

May 18-Elementary Awards Ceremony &Promotion

May 9-OHS Graduation

Meetings for 2022-2023 may be rescheduled if necessary due to Covid-19 restrictions or may be presented virtually if allowable. Parent/Teacher Conferences for 2022-2023 school year are to be scheduled at a time/manner/place mutually agreed upon by the teacher and parent.


8: Reservation of Funds (Title I schools)

Describe how the School uses Title I, Part A funds set-aside for parent and family engagement programs and activities.​

Guiding Questions
  • 8.1: If the School is a recipient of set aside funds for parent and family engagement (as part of receiving a Title I, Part A allocation greater than $500,000):​
            ○ How is the School spending those funds? ​
            ○ How does the School determine the priority of how funds are spent? ​
            ○ Who is involved in determining that?
                      [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(A)] 
  • 8.2: How does the School provide opportunities for parents and family members to be involved in providing input into how the funds are used?
                     [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(B); ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(C); ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(D)(i-v)] 

Ouachita River School District receives less than $500,00 in Title I allocations.

Ouachita River School District will provide reasonable support for parental engagement requests. William Edwards, Assistant Superintendent, will be the contact person reasonable for providing reasonable parental engagement support requests and to assist parents as appropriate in understanding Title I, Part A. William Edwards can be reached at (870)326-4311.

Assurances
Please read the following statements closely. By checking these boxes, the School understands the legal requirements and will meet them accordingly.
A.1:The School understands that annually by August 1, the public School’s Engagement Plan shall be developed, or reviewed and updated.
        [ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.02.3]
A.2:The School understands that the following must be made available to families and the local community on the School or District website no later than August 1st:
  • The School Engagement Plan
  • A parent-friendly explanation of the School and District’s Engagement Plan
  • The informational packet
  • Contact information for the parent facilitator designated by the School.
    [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a); ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.02.4]]
A.3:The School understands that a parent-friendly summary/explanation of the Engagement Plan should be included in the current student handbook.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a); ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.02]
A.4:The School understands its obligation for ensuring professional development requirements related to parent and family engagement are met and that records are maintained accordingly. (2 hours every 4 years with 2022 being a required year)
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1703(a); A.C.A. § 6-17-709; Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts July 2020 Standard 4-G.1 Professional Development (D/C)]
A.5:The School understands its obligation to obtain signatures for each parent acknowledging receipt of the District’s Engagement Plan summary/explanation.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a)(3)(B)]
A.6:The School Principal understands their obligation to designate and pay a licensed staff member to serve as Parent Facilitator:
  • to help organize meaningful training for staff and parents,
  • to promote and encourage a welcoming atmosphere, and
  • to undertake efforts to ensure that engagement is recognized as an asset to the School.
    [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(c)(1)]
A.7:The School understands its obligation to encourage school staff to use volunteer surveys to compile a volunteer resource book..
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(6)(B)(ii)]
A.8:The School understands its obligation to conduct no fewer than two parent-teacher conferences per school year.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(3)(B)(ii)]
A.9:The School understands its obligation to incorporate the Engagement Plan into the School Improvement Plan.
        [ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.02.2]
A.10:The School understands its obligation to schedule regular parent involvement meetings at which parents are given a report on the state of the School and an overview of:
  • what students will be learning
  • how students will be assessed
  • The informational packet
  • what a parent should expect for his or her child’s education
  • how a parent can assist and make a difference in his or her child’s education.
    [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(5)(B)(i)(a-d)]
A.11:Any School serving high school students understands its obligation to educate parents about their role in decisions affecting course selection, career planning, and preparation for postsecondary opportunities.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(7)(B)(ii)]
A.12:The School understands its obligation to welcome parents into the School, and more specifically, not have any school policies or procedures that would discourage a parent from visiting the School or from visiting a child's classrooms.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(6)(B)]
A.13:The School understands that all Title I, Part A funded engagement activities and strategies should remain consistent with all information set forth in this parent and family engagement plan.
        [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(D)]
A.14:The School understands its obligation to submit to the State any comments from parents who deem the Title I Schoolwide Plan unsatisfactory. These comments can be sent to ade.engagementmatters@ade.arkansas.gov
        [ESSA § 1116(b)(4)]
A.15:The School understands its obligation, if requested by parents, to provide opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any such suggestions as soon as practicably possible.
        [ESSA § 1116(c)(4)(C)]
References
School Name: Oden K-12 Schools
School Engagement Facilitator Name: Jennifer Barrett
Plan Revision/Submission Date: 7/19/2022
District Level Reviewer Name, Title: William T. Edwards II, Assistant Superintendent
District Level Approval Date: 7/19/2022
Committee Members, Role
(Select "Repeat" to open more entry fields to add additional team members)
First Name Last Name Role (Teacher, Staff, Parent, Student, or Community Member)
Crystal Hill Parent
Samantha Stovall Parent
Nicole Edwards Parent
Apryl Philpot Counselor
Jennifer Barrett Parent Facilitator
William Edwards Assistant Superintendent
Committee Members, Role
(Select "Repeat" to open more entry fields to add additional team members)
First Name Last Name Role (Teacher, Staff, Parent, Student, or Community Member)
Elicia Bergum Principal
Whitney Starr Teacher
Lana Philpot Parent
Amy Monk Community Member
Nicole Metcalf Parent
Tommy Breshears Parent
​(Find additional guidance on the DESE Parent and Family Engagement Requirements webpage. For any questions about completing this form or meeting legal compliance, please contact the DESE Engagement Unit at ade.engagementmatters@ade.arkansas.gov or 501-371-8051.)​

District Reviewer Responses

Section 1 - Jointly Developed
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
Comments:

The evaluation meeting in the Spring will be a great time to organize feedback from parents throughout the district.

-​Section 2 - Communication
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:

Using Thrillshare will be a great way to communicate School Parent and Family Engagement Events.

​Section 3 - Building Staff Capacity
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:

Share successful School Parent and Family Engagement professional development with fellow engagement facilitators.

​Section 4 - Building Parent Capacity
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:

Thank you for focusing on helping our parents.  Let's make sure the parent resource centers are up to date.

Section 5 - Coordination
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:

We are fortunate to have this many school partners. Let's make sure we celebrate the partnerships on social media.

Section 6 - Annual Title I Meeting
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:
Section 7 - School-Parent Compact
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:
Section 8 - Reservation of Funds
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:
Accepted: This form has been reviewed and little or no revisions need to be made. Please make any suggested revisions (if needed) and go to Submissions tab to submit.